Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The school has high expectations for all pupils at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy. Pupils demonstrate the school's values of courage, ambition, respect and excellence.

They say that the school's 'CARE' values are motivational and have made a big difference to the behaviour and attitudes of pupils that attend the school. The result is a caring and welcoming school. It enables pupils to enjoy their lessons and to do their best.

Relationships between staff and pupils are positive and respectful. Pupils feel safe. They know that they can talk to staff about any concerns that they may have.

Bullying is rare. Pupils are confident that when bullying does happe...n, staff will deal with it effectively.

Pupils are offered a wide range of experiences during their time at the school.

They can learn to play a musical instrument, play a variety of sports, run a school newspaper and take part in school performances. They enjoy history and theatre visits, as well as school visits to Berlin and Thailand. Many pupils take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's bronze award.

They learn about future employment. Pupils are very positive about the changes that have been made at the school. One pupil typically commented: 'Everyone knows the rules.

You can get your head down and learn.'

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The quality of education the school provides is good. However, this is due to recent improvements and is not reflected in published examination results.

The school provides pupils with a curriculum that is ambitious and well organised. The curriculum has identified the key knowledge, skills and vocabulary that pupils need to learn. Staff have received training to develop their understanding and expertise on how to deliver the curriculum.

They make frequent checks on how well it is being recalled by pupils. In most subjects, the curriculum is implemented consistently well. For example, in history, 'memory tasks' enable pupils to revisit what they have learned.

However, in some subjects, the work given to some pupils does not enable them to develop their ideas and extend their answers as well as they could. This does not support pupils to have a deeper understanding of the school's desired curriculum.

The number of pupils undertaking the English Baccalaureate qualification remains low.

However, the school is taking appropriate and decisive action to improve this.

The school has ensured that the curriculum for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) meets their needs. Staff identify the needs of pupils with SEND promptly.

Teachers support these pupils well. As a result, these pupils access the full curriculum and are successful.

The school ensures that reading is a priority.

Carefully chosen texts are used in every subject to support pupils' reading. This helps pupils to gain an understanding of key vocabulary. Teachers identify pupils who may be falling behind with reading.

These pupils receive extra support that helps them to catch up.

Pupils behave well. The school monitors pupils' absences closely and works with families to improve regular attendance.

However, some pupils, particularly some disadvantaged pupils, are absent too often. These pupils miss important aspects of their learning.

The curriculum to support pupils' personal development is strong.

It is relevant and topical. Pupils are provided with a wealth of experiences that broaden their horizons and deepen their cultural understanding. The curriculum helps pupils to understand the world beyond Ilkeston.

Pupils learn how to keep themselves physically and mentally fit. They have a good recall of what they have learned about keeping safe, including online safety. Pupils can develop their leadership skills as sports leaders and anti-bullying ambassadors.

The school is preparing pupils well for life in modern Britain. Pupils benefit from a strong careers programme.

The school, the trust and the governors consider the workload and well-being of staff.

Staff, including those new to teaching, say that they receive the right support to enable them to be successful in their roles. The governing body and members of the trust support and challenge leaders well.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In some subjects, the work given to some pupils does not enable them to develop their ideas and extend their answers. These pupils are not able to make as much progress as they could. The school needs to ensure that all pupils are provided with work that deepens their understanding of the school's curriculum.

• Some pupils, some particularly disadvantaged, do not attend school regularly enough. As a result, they do not benefit from the curriculum and wider experiences offered by the school. The school needs to ensure that all pupils have high rates of attendance.